39 comments:

There really are no words...I am so sorry for your loss. I loved Diver and was so saddened to hear this news. Take your time and thoroughly grieve, but know Diver would want you to be happy again soon. Godspeed with your hearts. I shed tears with you.

I was so shocked to receive JoAnn's phone call about Diver. It must be so difficult not to know what happened - such a tragedy. Know that you gave him a wonderful life with Dooley as a big brother.Diver was an amazing Newf and I will always remember him as a puppy with his paw in the water bowl sound asleep. We knew his passion right then and there! Our hearts go out to you and John...

I am so very sorry. I know of no words that can ease the hurt. And having this happen so suddenly can only magnify the sense of loss. I know the gaping hole you feel in your heart. We love you. Our hearts, prayers, and deepest meditations are with you.

Denise, John and Dooley, Once I asked Linda B. why we keep doing this to ourselves, knowing that every puppy we give our hearts to will someday break them. She said, "Because they're worth it." I've never come across a more comforting sentiment to share with anyone or to hold onto myself at times like these. Much love, Sandra

Dear Denise and John...We were so saddened and shocked to learn of the sudden passing of Panda's brother, Diver. What a handsome boy he was!! He and Panda certainly have a strong resemblance, and we know from the pictures of him that you forwarded that he was an amazing Newfie. We have lost wonderful K-9 family members over the years, and we know what a void is left after their passing. Thank you for sharing pictures and stories about Diver with us over the past three years. He was a special boy!! Bob, Linda, Panda and Clemmie Rigg

"He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever - in case I need him. And I expect I will - as I always have. He is just my dog." — Gene Hill

You know how terrible we feel about your loss. I am so sorry this happened and know that no words can express our sympathy. This post is a lovely tribute and Diver was just a beautiful dog. We are thinking about you and share in your sorrow.

The pain we feel in loss is directly proportional to the love we received in life. I know that you both received much love from Diver. Hugs to you and John. To Dooley, who lost his buddy, hugs as well.

Oh, man :-( I'm sure this is one of the "Starbucks dogs" as my kids refer to them. I am so sorry for your loss. Beautiful dog.

Not the least hard thing to bear whenthey go from us, these quiet friends,is that they carry away with them somany years of our lives. Yet, if theyfind warmth therein, who wouldbegrudge them those years that theyhave so guarded?And whatever they take,be sure they have deserved."-John Galsworthy

Oh my goodness. I noticed when I was replying to your comment on my post that my friend, Deanna, had commented on your post. Since I enjoy reading your posts anyway, I went to check it out and was shocked to learn of your great loss! I am not sure I've seen Diver in person but have definitely enjoyed him via your website. I know your heartache must be great. From one dog lover to another, please know my heart grieves for you and I will take a moment to send a prayer of comfort up for you right now!

May it comfort you to know that death cannot diminish the important ways your loved one touched your life, that grief cannot take away the happiness you shared, that sorrow will fade in time...but love remains forever.

"His life was too short but, thanks to you both, it was filled with love and adventure. Thank you for making his life so wonderful. He is very missed."

I am so sorry for the loss of Diver. Brandon wanted me to express his heartfelt sorrow too. Please let me know if I can do anything at all to help or comfort you during this difficult time. All our love,

So sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet little boy. It must be a big blow to have him taken so suddenly. Though you did not get to hold him at the end, it is heartening to know that you are holding him now, as are the many others who hold Diver and your family as you mourn his parting. Thank you for sharing your post and allowing all of us to get a glimpse of his immense love.

Doug and I share your grief, as we have just lost our wonderful dog of 11 years, Princess. It is so painful, but take comfort in knowing you gave him a caring, loving home. They will meet us all on Rainbow Bridge.

I was so sorry to hear about Diver. It has taken me a couple of weeks to email you, but you have often been in my thoughts and honestly I just didn't know what to say. Such a beautiful and gentle dog, such a terrible loss. You must miss Diver terribly and I wonder too how Dooley and John are doing.

Please take care. I am heartened to know that John and Carolyn are there for you. And on a very small rock in the Pacific, your Aunt Gwen is also there for you.